Venture Beyond GAP Year

Are you ready to take a leap of faith?

Venture Beyond is a gap year scheme run by Heatree Activity Centre in partnership with SWYM (South West Youth Ministries). This scheme is aimed at young adults who may be interested in a career in the outdoor residential sector, children’s ministry and youth work.  

Based at our outdoor centre on Dartmoor, this is a unique opportunity to train in the outdoors and share your Christian faith with the next generation. By venturing beyond what a typical gap year can offer and learning valuable and transferable skills, you could help make a positive difference in impacting and shaping young lives.

Throughout the 12-month programme you will experience serving in all areas of an outdoor activity centre in the heart of the Devon countryside. Alongside this you will be part of SWYM’s Be Transformed training programme where you will receive training and teaching which is designed to deepen your foundation in the Christian faith, equipping you with practical tools and knowledge to grow as a disciple of Jesus.

  • Take time out to explore your relationship with God and grow your faith 
  • Serve with a Christian charity and experience God’s work in action 
  • Begin a lifelong journey to inspire others 

Why Venture Beyond?

Working alongside the Heatree staff team, you will gain practical and valuable hands-on experience and in-house training and qualifications. You will spend time assisting in various departments; learning to lead and instruct in outdoor adventure activities, serving meals and helping in the kitchen, housekeeping, as well as maintenance and groundskeeping across the site. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a supportive Christian community and to share and deepen your faith.

As part of the Be Transformed course, you will meet weekly with your SWYM cluster group to receive support and training. Throughout the year there will be an induction week and six 4 day conferences at Lee Abbey where you will be working towards an Engaging with Applied Theology course though interactive and practical lectures.

At Heatree we recognise faith as an integral part of life and as a staff team we begin each day with morning devotion and prayer time. There are also many things happening within the local church communities for you to get involved with. 

You will live on-site in shared accommodation with other volunteers. Food, accommodation, training will be provided, alongside equipment and uniform. 

Main benefits include:

  • Full training, support and resources provided by SWYM and Heatree Activity Centre
  • Opportunity to attend six training conferences at Lee Abbey with SWYM
  • Opportunity to serve in a Christian charity
  • Experience living as part of a Christian community with like-minded individuals
  • In-house training provided by experienced staff and qualified teachers
  • First Aid qualification
  • Level 2 Food Hygiene qualification
  • Level 2 Safeguarding Certificate
  • Transferable, employable skills through practical experience

Who can apply?

This GAP Year is aimed at Christians aged 18 or over with a desire to grow in their faith.

What does it cost?

The total cost for the Be Transformed course is £500. Please click on the link for more details:

SWYM Fees and Finance

Whilst there is no upfront cost to take part in Venture Beyond, (Heatree will provide accommodation, food, training, equipment and uniform), we would encourage you to raise £100-150 per month towards a personal allowance for your own spending. Fundraising support to help with this will be provided.

How do I apply?

To find out more and for details of how to apply, please follow the link below:

SWYM Placements Venture Beyond

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